Today I took another leap of faith, stepped out of my comfort zone, and completed 15 miles of pure joy.
I was looking forward to Run Kalamazoo partnering with Kalamazoo Area Runners for an open community run. It was one of those things that when it was planned, it sounded like so much fun but when the day comes, your mood might have completely shifted. Today my mood shifted. I didn’t feel like I had the mental capacity to be there and enjoy it the way I wanted to, so instead I stayed home and tried something new! I have recently discovered a perfect five mile loop through my neighborhood that goes around my house. In girl math, that’s just three laps to get the full 15 miles, easy!
I don’t think I’ve talked about my kids yet, so allow me to introduce you to Theo and Finley! Theo is a six-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix, and Finley is a four-year-old Wheaten Terrier. All of my kids have four legs. I mention their ages because I want you to understand that I have had at least six years to try this, I just never thought it would work. I’ve never met a dog who didn’t love going for walks, if you’re reading this and you have, I’m sorry. My dogs absolutely love a good walk, but they really only love it for a mile or two max.
While getting ready for my run I kept thinking to myself, if I’m doing this from home, I feel like I should bring my boys with me. I also kept thinking to myself, I’ve never tried running with either of them, do I want to potentially waste my time trying? Certainly! I took my first loop solo. Five miles in, I was going by my house for the first time.
I decided to make a quick stop and bring Finley along. We pushed his limits and he stayed with me through the eighth mile. I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed and smiled on a run as much as I did within these three miles. He was such a trooper and also pushed me to go faster than my usual pace! I cut my five mile loop short to take him back home, and then I grabbed Theo for the next mile. Theo is the less athletic of the two, if you know what I mean. He only held on for a mile, got a bit of a break while I carried on, and then I picked him back up to finish the last mile with me. He did surprise me though! I didn’t think he would be able to keep up at all, but he led the way just like his brother! My good boys. I had the best day, we’ll do this again soon.
Love,
Theo, Finley & Kourtney
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